Swyft

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Technical Content Marketer at Gearset, a DevOps solution for Salesforce. As well as producing various kinds of content and working with colleagues on marketing projects, I work closely with Swyft on our media campaign.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft?

We hired Swyft to help us build a presence in the media. Before working with Swyft, we were producing plenty of content but had no media presence.

We were well known in the Salesforce ecosystem among developers and admins, but we wanted to reach senior decision makers at companies using Salesforce and demonstrate thought leadership.

The launch of our Salesforce backup tool was also a factor, as we foresaw wanting to address a slightly different audience.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to secure at least one media placement per month during the first six months. Naturally, we hoped to see articles contribute to a growth in traffic to our site and lead gen. But we mainly expected less tangible outcomes: expanding our reach, adding another possible touch point for marketing, and contributing to the sales process.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swyft?

We were looking for an agency based in the US with experience working with B2B SaaS companies.

After researching several options, I spoke with and collected proposals from three agencies, then evaluated them based on a number of criteria:

• their suggested strategy and my perception of how easy it would be to work with them,
• evidence of their work with companies similar to us,
• their contacts and relationships with media outlets and journalists,
• and cost.

Swyft felt like a good fit for us. Their approach matched our own inclinations, and they seemed enthusiastic about effectively starting from zero.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Swyft worked closely with us during the first month, getting to know Gearset and helping us to settle on a strategy. Since then we have had a few extended ideation sessions to develop potential pitches for contributed articles.

We then work on those pitches and articles together. Typically, when a piece has been accepted, I brief Swyft on the technical content, they draft something, and then I review it.

We have fortnightly catchups to review all work in progress. Swyft also help to draft and put out our press releases, and have advised us as we build out a newsroom for our website. They also offer their perspective on our marketing efforts in general, but particularly as it relates to our PR efforts.

What was the team composition?

I work directly with a Partner in Charge and Senior Account Manager at Swyft. At least one other writer also works on our content.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

On average, we've met targets for the number of media placements. Two press releases have each been published by multiple media outlets. We continue to get traction with pitches for contributed articles and other stories.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow has been effective. Swyft tend to keep the ball in my court - they've never been a blocker to progress or slow to answer any queries from our side. We maintain regular contact by email in addition to the fortnightly catchups.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

TThe thing I most appreciate about Swyft is their willingness to understand us and what we're trying to achieve. It's our product, our market, and our messaging. The thing I find most useful is their skill at identifying our expertise, drawing out ideas, and explaining what will make a successful story for the media.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I've not worked with any other PR agencies, so have nothing to compare with. Occasionally I lose track of some of our ongoing work - although it's good that we have many irons in the fire, and Swyft maintain spreadsheets showing projects' status.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Manager for a data visualizaiton and analytics platform. We aggregate millions of disparate data sources and consolidate them in real-time and present them in concert of one another on an intuitive and interactive map. 

With this level of insights, users are able to interact with their data to make faster decisions and optimize their operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft, and what were your goals?

We were in the need of a new website as we branched out into the commercial space.  We needed a website that would grow with us as we gained more traction in new and adjacent markets. 

We had an aggressive content development plan and needed a way to publish content quickly while being leveraged with our CRM (Salesforce) and marketing automation tool (HubSpot).  We also needed a site that could be maintained in-house without the need to outsource on-the-fly changes or additions so the ease of use was paramount for us.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swyft and what were the deciding factors?

We decided to move forward with Swyft because their team, quite frankly, just understood us best.  We have a complex product and the ability to meet the needs of any industry.  They helped us prepare initial buyer personas and identify key markets to penetrate first, which helped us identify the initial launch of the website. 

We appreciated their collaborative approach and that their Founder was present throughout the process to add value to the skills his team brought to us.  We felt we were in good hands and not viewed as another account or client.  They felt like an extension of our team.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Develop inital wireframe, assess design concepts, develop buyer personas and identify key markets, create content development plan, create a website using WordPress that is easy to use and maintain in-house.  Monitor bounce rate, traffic, traffic sources, device, and time on page as our weekly KPIs. Use these metrics to guide priorities and projects.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I've worked closely with the Founder, Dave Manzer and his Web Developer, Gregg Andrews and Digital Marketing Manager, Suzie Tawney.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Over the past few years we've gone through a few website revisions based on the demands of the markets we're pursuing.  With all of the changes we've experienced, Swyft has been able to pivot just as quickly.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

At the time, I was the sales director for a custom software consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft?

We hired Swyft for content marketing including social media outreach, blogs, and white papers.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to attract more followers and generate in-bound leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Swyft because they were a boutique firm who were experts in their field, had experience working in our space and were able to give us personalized service.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Swyft curated and created content for marketing campaigns that included schedules for social media, blogs, emails and white papers as needed.

They would post daily on social media, weekly blogs and weekly emails. The content was tailored for our target clients.

What was the team composition?

The team was made up of a designer, writer and account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Swyft elevated our marketing outreach through consistent content generation and was able to bring in considerably more leads than before they were hired. This generated more opportunities and closed deals.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow and communication was seamless. We worked closely with Swyft and they were incredibly responsive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

As a software startup, our priorities and goals were constantly in flux. Swyft handled these challenges effortlessly and was able to adapt and meet our needs.

They were very responsive, over-communicated and generated new ideas to help improve our brand presence.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were incredibly satisfied with their work and only wished we could use them more.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Dealer Support manager and also lead marketing for our outdoor patio furniture manufacturing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft?

We needed help with online brand awareness of our outdoor patio furniture as well as driving inbound traffic. Swyft also helped redesign our e-commerce website to improve our customer conversions. Swyft also implemented an SEO and content marketing strategy.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to see more website traffic and an increase in online sales.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We reviewed several vendors and used some in the past. Swyft impressed us with their total knowledge of digital marketing, SEO, content marketing, branding and e-commerce.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Swyft worked with us to create a digital marketing strategy that included SEO, a website redesign, inventory recommendations, email marketing, website analytics, social media marketing, and much more.

What was the team composition?

The team was led by Swyft's principal, a digital marketing manager, an SEO specialist and a senior copywriter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

So far the results have been impressive. We are just over 4 months in and we're seeing dramatic increases in website traffic and social media engagement. We have also begun seeing an uptick in sales conversions.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective. We have bi-weekly meetings and frequent brainstorming sessions.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They got results for us fast. They have a thorough understanding of all things digital marketing and e-commerce.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not at this point.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CMO of a global marketing services firm specializing in through-channel marketing predominantly for global IT brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo & Microsoft.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft?

We hired Swyft not long after we opened our U.S. office in Austin, Texas, to help OneAffiniti establish itself as a dominant player in Through-Channel Marketing for global IT brands.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to establish OneAffiniti as a leader vendor in through-channel marketing in the North American market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We'd considered a number of larger media firms in the US mainly through recommendations however they came with large retainers & little interest in our sized firm. After narrowing our search to Austin (near our North American office) with previous expertise in B2B & Tech, Swyft was chosen based on a mix of industry experience & their eagerness to work with us (a mutual level of respect).

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Swyft provided us with an integrated content marketing and PR strategy that addressed our need to grow our brand with both Earned, Owned and Shared media. Swyft's team was highly collaborative and focused on ensuring we had a blended approach to developing our brand and revenue growth opportunities.

In the two years we worked together Swyft was able to place us in some of the most prestigious tech and channel media outlets, all the while helping us increase our website traffic from direct and organic sources.

What was the team composition?

We worked closely with the principle, VP & partner & writer(s) which was fairly consistent over time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

In the two years we worked together Swyft was able to place us in some of the most prestigious tech and channel media outlets, all the while helping us increase our website traffic from direct and organic sources.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked collaborative with the team (regularly meeting each week). There was a period where we were understaffed and unable to provide the level of support to really drive the project. After a few honest discussions, we worked through it, resourced appropriately (in our second year) which had a positive impact on our output & results.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Our team appreciated their positive and creative approach to raising our brand awareness. Developing the right media relations & helping develop content that suited our growing company (& all the fun that comes with it).

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing, in particular, comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of Marketing, Communications, and Branding for a physical security/video surveillance company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swyft?

We needed full public relations support that aligned with our strategy and product roadmap and content creation that inspired lead generation.

What were your goals for this project?

To increase our presence and positioning in the market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Swyft had been selected carefully by my predecessor, I continued the relationship from there with Dave and his team.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Full-scope pr support for product launches, announcements, strategy, thought leadership content and events.

What was the team composition?

N/A

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The organization's media interviews and reach increased exponentially. Swyft also developed several content-rich case studies for us, top lead gen content!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked on a weekly basis, the Swyft team was always very responsive, reliable and prepared. I also had a close working relationship with the team and knew I could always call and connect at any timie.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Swyft is there to support and help out in any way. They are all extremely engaged, responsive, and prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I also appreciated knowing that I could count on them and the close working relationship.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, from a public relations perspective, this group is top notch!